Spokane ready to host mining event as industry experiences a revival

The Northwest Mining Association kicks off its 110th annual meeting in Spokane on Monday, at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park.

Between 1,500 and 1,800 miners, geologists and investors are expected for the event. Registration is up about 25 percent over last year, a sign of rising metals prices and financial strength in the mining industry, said Laura Skaer, NWMA director.

“We’ve sold our trade show out twice,” she said. “Last year, we were still selling booths in November.”

Sustainable mining development, new financial disclosure requirements, and the graying of the mining industry will be discussed during the weeklong session.

On Tuesday, the federal Office of Mine Safety and Health Research will give a briefing on its work in the area of mine safety and health. The session is free and open to the public. It runs from 1-5 p.m.

On Thursday, Hecla CEO Phil Baker will chair an all-day session called “Silver: The Coming Explosion?” discussing silver markets. More information is available at www.nwma.org, or call 509-624-1158, ext. 10, to register for the one-day session.